Brandon Tollefson, the division manager at Tollefson’s Carpetland alongside Emily Mackner, the general manager of Slumberland Furniture are fourth generation Tollefsons, determined to maintain their family’s growing legacy by upholding their family values.

“Honesty, integrity and treating people with respect are instilled in each generation,” Mackner said. “All of these values have been passed on from generation to generation. Today, each of those values remains extremely important to the fourth generation. All of these values are things we hope customers feel when they enter the store.”

Founded on the principles of honesty, integrity and respect for all, the Tollefsons continue to be proud contributors in the Minot community.

From their active support of Minot’s Domestic Violence Crisis Center to creating employment opportunities for Minot-area residents, the Tollefsons’ altruistic actions define a great part of their family legacy.

Submitted Photo Ole Tollefson, left, stands beside employees at one of the Tollefson’s Furniture locations in 1938.

With 92 years of professional and community service, Mackner credits her family’s humble approach for their continued success.

“Being humble is crucial,” Mackner said. “I’m not one to flaunt and I don’t believe in bragging. My goal is to work hard so I can be able to give back to my community.”

At an early age, Mackner and Tollefson were introduced to the family business.

During their youth, the two cousins learned to accomplish their goals by working together and treating each other fairly.

Whether it was working in the family warehouse or pursuing their studies in the classroom, Mackner’s and Tollefson’s family practice helped them to recognize the value in everyone and everything.

Submitted Photo Tollefson’s Furniture in 1964.

“Being able to grow up in the business and work in every facet really gives you a full appreciation for all the employees and what they do to keep us running on the daily basis,” Mackner said.

“This business is our life,” Tollefson said. “Growing up, we all spent time sweeping the floors, cleaning the different locations and working in the warehouses. This business has been with us our whole lives and we’re lucky to be a part of it.”

While diligence and wholesome character were heavily valued, Mackner and Tollefson also found time for fun as they learned their family trade.

“When the store would close, we would run around and play,” Tollefson said. “For us, the store was like a giant playground with lots the carpet rolls.”

After the fourth generation of Tollefsons found recreation inside the carpet rolls, today’s Tollefson stores have signs that read “Do not run or jump on the carpet rolls”.

“We were the reason these signs now exist,” Mackner said.

Aside from being introduced to the family business, both Mackner and Tollefson were also given full support by their family to pursue other professional callings.

“While our family wanted this business to go onto the next generation, it wasn’t forced upon us,” Mackner said. “So, I moved to Minneapolis for four years. When an opportunity to come back home presented itself, my husband and I jumped on it. If I had started here right after college, I don’t think that I would have appreciated the community like I do today.”

Throughout Slumberland Furniture is a vast variety of home accent pieces, mattresses, mirrors, benches and furniture ranging from traditional to modern decor.

Brightly lit and skillfully arranged, visitors are greeted by the sight of leather sofas, chestnut tables and a core of polite staff members.

“We hope people sense the pride we have in our business and know that we really care,” Mackner said.

Holding dual degrees from Concordia Moorhead, Mackner’s eye for creativity earned her a bachelor of science degree in business and apparel design.

During today’s fast-paced demands and high-tech times, Mackner is contributing to the Tollefson legacy by introducing furniture that offers personal comfort and social connections.

“Gray tones and power seating are huge,” Mackner said. “Power reclining, added headrest, lumbar support and the ability to provide usb ports are important. People want to be able to plug in and charge their devices so they can stay well connected.”

Family owned and family centered, Slumberland Furniture and Tollefson’s Carpetland believe that furniture and flooring can accentuate a positive family dynamic.

“Furniture and flooring is where people connect,” Mackner said. “We’re not selling a dining room table, we’re selling a place where families can gather and eat.”

In addition to providing a place for family celebrations and gatherings, Tollefson suggested that flooring and furniture can help people express their individuality.

“Flooring and furniture builds the look of your entire home,” Tollefson said. “Depending on what you put in it, you can create your own style. Everyone is unique and has their own way of doing things.”

Tollefson, a graduate of Minot State University, earned a bachelor of science degree in business management.

Adjacent to Slumberland Furniture is Tollefson’s Carpetland, which offers the latest floor coverings and carpets for homes and businesses.

“If you have a vision for your floor, we can make it happen,” Tollefson said.

According to Tollefson, today’s buyer is seeking practical products that require low maintenance.

As a fourth generation Tollefson, the division manager is contributing to his family legacy by providing darker color carpets and flooring which mask the presence of dirt along with waterproof products and stain resistant items.

“Gray is the hot color and a lot of people are going with vinyl plank,” Tollefson said. “People also like waterproof products because they are easy to clean up and they’re good for kids and good for pets.”

With 92 years of professional and community commitment, both Mackner and Tollefson strive to give their best so they can continue to be a credit to their name and and a pillar for their community.

“We want to be successful so we can continue to give back to the community,” Mackner said. “Being successful allows us to keep giving back to the community we live in.”

(Prairie Profile is a weekly feature profiling interesting people in our region. We welcome suggestions from our readers. Call Editor Mike Sasser at 857-1959 or Regional Editor Eloise Ogden at 857-1944. Either can be reached at 1-800-735-3229. You also can send e-mail suggestions to msasser@minotdailynews.com.

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